The city of San Marcos is throwing a downtown block party to celebrate the re-opening of North LBJ Drive, epicenter of a major capital improvement program that has frustrated traffic — and business owners — for the better part of two years.

Hosted by the city’s Main Street program and downtown business owners, the “Dia de Tejas” event will be held 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 on North LBJ Drive between Hopkins Street and University Drive.

At 6:30 p.m., community members are invited to join in a panoramic photo of partygoers on their newly completed streetscape. Street art, street music, live performances and other festivities will follow the group photo. Some merchants are extending their business owners and holding sales for the celebration.

Describing the event as “Dia de los Muertos meets Texas Pride,” organizers invite residents to dress up in colorful Day of the Dead costumes and/or bring a decorated pickup truck on which to tailgate. New back-in parking replaces traditional, front-in parking. Te best-decorated tailgate setup will win an award.